Goggle Cover with Integrated Storage Container

ABSTRACT

A goggle cover assembly is described for covering and protecting a lens on a pair of goggles when the goggles are not in use. The assembly includes a fabric cover coupled to a pouch by way of a cord wherein the pouch is configured to contain the fabric cover when the cover is not in use, and includes an attachment mechanism for securing the pouch to a strap of the pair of goggles.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to two provisional patent applications,U.S. 61/733,323 and U.S. Pat. No. 61/810,329, filed on Dec. 4, 2012 andApr. 20, 2013 respectively. The aforementioned applications share thesame inventor as the present application and are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to goggles worn by a user to protecthis/her eyes and more specifically to covers used to protect the opticalsurfaces of goggles when not in use.

BACKGROUND

Goggles are often worn by people when participating in certainactivities that would otherwise expose the eyes to wind, dust, rain orother debris. For instance, goggle wearers include skiers, snowboarders,and motorcyclists.

The transparent or translucent optical lens of most goggles arecomprised of plastic and as such are susceptible to scratching or otherdamage when placed on a surface or thrown unprotected into a bag or backof a vehicle. Over time scratches and other damage can compromise theoptical properties of the lens requiring replacement of the lens andmore typically the goggles.

To reduce the risk of scratching, goggles are often sold with pouches inwhich they can be placed when not in use. These pouches often made of asoft relatively non-abrasive fabric, such as microfiber, and are veryeffective in preventing incidental scratching. Unfortunately, pouchesare often lost or misplaced and are often not used more than a couple orfew times after purchasing the goggles.

Ski goggles are often used in conjunction with ski helmets. Connectorsare often provided on the back side of a helmet to secure the goggles tothe helmet at the midpoint of the goggles' strap. For sake ofconvenience, skiers often leave the goggles connected to the helmet evenwhen not in use. With the goggles secured to the helmet it is difficultif not impossible to place them in the provided protective pouch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the goggle cover assembly as received on goggleswith the cover deployed over the goggles' lens according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1 according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1 according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the pouch of the goggle cover assembly accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the pouch of the goggle cover assemblyaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a back view of the pouch of the goggle cover assemblyaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the pouch of the goggle cover assemblyaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cut away view of the pouch of the goggle cover assemblytaken along line B-B of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a cut away view of the pouch of the goggle cover assemblytaken along line A-A of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the fabric goggle cover of goggle coverassembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the fabric goggle cover of goggle coverassembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the fabric goggle cover of goggle coverassembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method of installing the pouch 110 on the strap15of a goggle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a pouch installed on a strap looking at the back side ofthe pouch according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 15 a-d illustrate a method of installing the fabric cover over thelens of the goggle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a goggle cover assembly with two cut awaysections according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a pouch for a goggle cover assembly of yetanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a pouch for a goggle cover assembly of yetanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a back view of a pouch for a goggle cover assembly of yetanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a front view of a pouch for a goggle cover assembly with acover door in an open position of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a pouch for a goggle coverassembly with a cover door in an open position of yet another embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 22 illustrates a method of install a pouch having flexible strapswith hook and loop fasteners as an attachment mechanism to secure thepouch to a goggle strap according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 23 illustrates the back side of the fourth embodiment pouch of FIG.22 as installed on a goggle strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention comprise a fabric goggle covertypically having an elastic parameter configured to be placed and heldin place over the goggles' lens. The cover is coupled to a small pouchby way of a cord. The pouch includes an attachment mechanism to permitits securement to the strap of the goggles. When the goggles are in use,the cover is stored in the pouch, which keeps it substantially dry andclean, but most importantly attached to the goggles. When the user is nolonger using the goggles, he/she pulls the cover from the pouch withoutremoving the pouch from the strap and places the cover over the lens.The configuration permits use of the cover while the goggles areretained on a helmet.

In some variations, the fabric comprises a stretch material, such asspandex. In other variations it can comprise a microfiber material. Itcan comprise several sections sewn or otherwise joined together to givethe cover form more securely be received over the lens. The fabric maybe imprinted with various designs and indicia. An elastic band or pipingcan be provided around the perimeter of the cover that acts to grip andhold the cover in place on the goggles over the lens.

A cord is typically attached to the one end of the cover. The cord cancomprise an elastic material. In at least one variation, the cordcomprises a loop wherein the looped end of the cord is wrapped throughan opening on the pouch to secure it thereto. In yet other variations,the cords can be sewn, mechanically fastened, tied or otherwise securedto both the cover and the pouch on opposing ends.

The pouch can be made of any suitable materials. In some variations thepouch is comprised of fabric with snap, hook and loop and/or buttons inassociation with fabric straps that wrap around a goggles' strap tosecure the pouch in place. The pouches may also include closures toclose the open end of the pouch and better protect the cover whencontained therein.

In yet another variation, the pouch can comprise a rigid or semi-rigidback piece that may be slightly curved in some variations to better fitagainst either or both the curved surface of a helmet or head of a user.Opposing tangs can be attached or integrally formed in the back throughwhich the strap can be passed to hold the pouch in place. The frontportion of the pouch comprises a deformable elastomeric material thatretains the interior shape of the integral cavity but can furtherwithstand external impact without damaging the pouch. A mechanism forclosing the end may also be provided, such as but not limited to amagnetic closure.

Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in thissection are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in thisTerminology section applied to them throughout this document, includingin the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further,as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of theword or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of thedefined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims isnot meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning eitheror both.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”,“another embodiment, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternativeembodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases meanthat a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment or variation, is included in at least anembodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in oneembodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases, as used in variousplaces in the specification, are not necessarily meant to refer to thesame embodiment or the same variation.

The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification andappended claims refers to an indirect or direct physical connectionbetween the identified elements, components, or objects. Often themanner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner inwhich the two coupled elements interact.

The term “directly coupled” or “coupled directly,” as used in thisspecification and appended claims, refers to a physical connectionbetween identified elements, components, or objects, in which no otherelement, component, or object resides between those identified as beingdirectly coupled.

The term “approximately,” as used in this specification and appendedclaims, refers to plus or minus 10% of the value given.

The term “about,” as used in this specification and appended claims,refers to plus or minus 20% of the value given.

The terms “generally” and “substantially,” as used in this specificationand appended claims, mean mostly, or for the most part.

The terms “removable”, “removably coupled”, “removably installed,”“readily removable”, “readily detachable”, “detachably coupled”,“separable,” “separably coupled,” and similar terms, as used in thisspecification and appended claims, refer to structures that can beuncoupled, detached, uninstalled, or removed from an adjoining structurewith relative ease (i.e., non-destructively, and without a complicatedor time-consuming process), and that can also be readily reinstalled,reattached, or coupled to the previously adjoining structure.

Directional or relational terms such as “top,” bottom,” “front,” “back,”“above,” “beneath,” and “below,” as used in this specification andappended claims, refer to relative positions of identified elements,components, or objects, where the components or objects are oriented inan upright position as normally installed or used.

A First Embodiment of a Goggle Cover Assembly

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a first embodiment of a goggle cover assembly 100installed on goggles 10. The assembly comprises (i) a soft fabric cover105 typically comprised of a microfiber or spandex material, (ii) astorage container or pouch 110 that is secured to the goggles' strap 15,and (iii) a cord or string 115 attaching the fabric cover to the pouch.In the illustrated configuration the fabric cover is deployed andreceived over the lens of the goggles (not shown).

Various views of the pouch 110 are illustrated in FIGS. 4-9. Thisembodiment of the pouch is comprised of an elastomeric material, such aspolyurethane that easily deforms when pressed but resiliently returns toits original shape. The front body portion 120 has sufficient rigidityto maintain its shape under normal conditions. The entire pouch can bemolded as a single piece or in other variations the pouch's back portion125 directly coupling to the goggles' strap can comprise a separatelyformed piece of a more rigid material, such as a polyurethane orpolyethylene having a higher durometer hardness.

Along one or both the left and right ends of the front body portion 120slits or openings 130 can be provided to permit access to the interiorvolume 135 of the pouch whereby a user stuffs the cover 105 into thepouch when the cover is not in use. Due to the resilient nature of thefront body portion, the openings 130 close naturally when not beingmanipulated by the user. Also on the front body portion several holesare provided through which the cord 115 is thread to join the pouch withthe cover 105.

In some variations, the back portion 125 is slightly curved as bestshown in FIG. 9 to accommodate the curvature of a head or helmet onwhich the goggles 10 are worn; however, in other variations the backportion is substantially flat when formed but because of its resiliencyconforms to the shape of an underlying helmet. Where the back portion isseparately formed from the front body portion 120, it is typicallysecured to the front body portion by way of adhesive bonding. In anothervariation, the front body portion is over-molded on to the back portion.

To secure the pouch to the goggle strap 15 a pair of opposing tangs 140are provided on the back surface of the back portion 125. A first tang140 a extends upwardly towards a downwardly extending second tang 140 b.The tangs are generally parallel to the back surface and spaced adistance therefrom that is generally similar to the thickness of atypical goggle strap 15. A space between the ends of the opposing tangsallows the user to slide the goggle strap therebetween. As can beappreciated the tangs being comprised of a resilient material can bebent and otherwise deformed to permit a user to position the pouch onthe goggle strap.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate the fabric cover 105 from top, side and frontviews respectively. The cover can be made of any suitable fabricmaterials but soft fabrics that will not easily scratch the plastic lensare preferred. In one variation the cover comprises spandex. In anothervariation the cover comprises a microfiber material wherein the covercan double as a cleaning cloth. In yet another variation the outsideportion of the cover is spandex and a second interior ply is providedthat comprises a microfiber fabric. In the illustrated cover as bestshown in FIGS. 2 & 3, a passage way for the cord 115 is sewn along theperimeter of the cover wherein cinching or tightening the cord can morefirmly secure the cover to the goggles in use. In yet other variations,elastic piping or banding 145 is provided on part or along the entireperimeter to elastically secure the cover to the goggles.

The cover is typically comprised of several pieces or sections of fabricthat are sewn or otherwise joined at seam lines 150 to give the cover athree dimensional shape that better attaches to goggles. To furtherenhance the fit of the cover on goggles, a cutout 155 for the nosebridge may also be provided.

FIG. 14 is a backside view of the first embodiment pouch installed on agoggle strap. FIG. 13 illustrates the steps involved in installing thepouch 110 on the goggle strap. In the first step 505, the back portion125 and goggle strap 15 are placed next to each other. In the secondstep 510, the top tang 140 b (or tab) is pulled to open the gap betweenthe top and bottom tangs 140 b & 140 a and the top edge of the strap isinserted therein. In the third step 515, the strap is folded to placethe bottom edge of the strap near the gap between the top and bottomtangs. In the fourth step 520 the bottom tang 140 a is pulled to againopen the gap between the tangs and the bottom edge of the strap isinserted therein. As shown in the final step 525, the strap ismanoeuvred and positioned such that is fully and flatly received in thespace defined.

FIGS. 15 a-d illustrate a method of deploying the fabric goggle cover105 from its stowed configuration in the pouch 110 to its deployedposition covering the lens of the goggles to which the assembly 100 isattached. In the first step 530, the pouch is opened at opening 130. Inthe second step 535, the fabric cover 105 is pulled out of the pouch110. In step 540, the fabric cover 105 is pulled over the front of thegoggles and more specifically the goggles' lens. In step 545, the coveris secured around the lens and sides of the goggles. In the illustratedembodiment, the cord 115 is pulled to cinch the cover in place, but invariations elastic banding or piping 145 will act to secure the cover inplace.

A Second Embodiment of a Goggle Cover Assembly

A second embodiment goggle cover assembly is illustrated in FIG. 16. Theassembly is substantially similar to the first embodiment assemblyhaving a pouch 210, a fabric goggle cover 205 and a cord 215 joining thepouch and cover except for the differences and distinctions describedherein.

The cord 215 used to join the pouch and cover includes a looped end anda free end. At the free end the ends of the looped cord are sewn orotherwise mechanically fastened to an edge of the fabric cover 205 asshown in the first cut away. To secure the cord to the pouch 210, a pairof parallel slots 255 is provided in the back portion 225. The loopedend is placed through the innermost slot around the bridge between theslots and back through the outermost slot. The fabric cover and the restof the cord are then fed through the looped end in order to secure thecord to the pouch around the bridge in the manner illustrated. It is tobe appreciated in this embodiment that the perimeter of the fabric covertypically includes elastic piping or banding to help secure the cover tothe goggles when deployed to cover the lens.

A Pouch for a Third Embodiment of a Goggle Cover Assembly

FIGS. 17-20 illustrate different views of yet another pouch 310 for usein a goggle cover assembly. The cover and cord used with this pouch aresubstantially similar to the cover and cord described above in relationto both the first and second embodiments.

The cover comprises a front portion 320 made of a flexible resilientmaterial and a back portion 325 can be integrally molded with the frontportion or separately formed. The pouch also includes a front lidportion 365 that acts to cover an opening and internal volume defined bythe front and back portions.

The back portion 325 includes upwardly and downwardly extending tangs340 b & a that function substantially similarly to the tangs describedabove in relation to the first embodiment. The back portion alsoincludes a pair of parallel slots 355 that define a bridge and are usedin substantially the same manner as the slots in the second embodimentto secure a cord to the pouch.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 20 & 21, the front lid portion 365 is shownin an open configuration. The lid portion is co-molded with either thefront portion or back portion and joined thereto by way of a livinghinge 370. A magnetic closure 375 a&b comprising two magnets or a magnetand a metal piece are provided respectively on the front and lidportions to normally hold the lid in a closed position.

A Pouch for a Fourth Embodiment of a Goggle Cover Assembly and a Methodof Attaching the Pouch to a Goggle Strap

The fourth embodiment pouch as shown in FIGS. 22 & 23 is generallysimilar to the pouch assemblies of the other embodiments except insteadof using tangs to secure the pouch 410 to a goggle strap 15, flexiblepouch straps 440 with hook and loop material attached to their surfacesare used. The flexible straps can be integrally molded with the frontportion 420, or as shown otherwise secured to the back portion 425. FIG.22 illustrates the manner in which the straps are wrapped around thegoggle strap and secured in place by respective mating sections of hookand loop material that have been adhesively or otherwise secured to theappropriate surfaces of the pouch straps.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in theaccompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary andare not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to beappreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have beencontemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art,given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the inventionthat read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to bewithin the scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A goggle cover assembly for covering a lens on a pair ofgoggles, the goggle cover assembly comprising: a fabric cover configuredfor secure receipt over the lens; a pouch defining an internal cavity ofsufficient volume to receive the cover therein, the pouch furtherincluding an attachment mechanism configured for securement to a strapof the pair of goggles; and a cord having a first end and a second end,the first end being attached to the fabric cover and the second endbeing attached to the pouch.
 2. The goggle cover assembly of claim 1,wherein the fabric cover comprises a stretchable fabric.
 3. The gogglecover assembly of claim 1, wherein the fabric cover includes an elasticperimeter.
 4. The goggle cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the pouchcomprises a back plate joined to a flexible front portion to form acavity.
 5. The goggle cover assembly of claim 4, wherein the flexiblefront portion comprises a elastomeric material.
 6. The goggle coverassembly of claim 4, wherein the attachment mechanism includes at leastan upwardly-extending first tang protruding from and generally parallelto the back plate, and a downwardly-extending second tang protrudingfrom and generally parallel to the back plate.
 7. The goggle coverassembly of claim 6, wherein the first and second tangs are integrallyformed with the back plate.
 8. The goggle cover assembly of claim 1,wherein the cord comprises a loop, the cord being secured to the pouchat a looped end.